Technical Estimator Purchasing Knutsford, UK - Oliver Valves Limited

Role: Technical Estimator

Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (office based)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 with 30 minute lunch

Can you look at a valve drawing and see the exact machining hours and material costs behind it? We're looking for a Technical Estimator to bridge the gap between engineering and purchasing for our multi-million-pound projects.

Reporting to the Head of Purchasing, you'll take the lead on commodity pricing (forgings, fasteners, bar) and drive down the total cost of acquisition.

About Us

With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth - as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We're a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.

What You'll Be Doing

Unlike a standard procurement role, this position sits at the heart of our operations. You will be responsible for translating complex engineering requirements into competitive, accurate costs. Reporting directly to the Head of Purchasing, you will manage a multi-million pound spend, ensuring we secure the best total cost of acquisition without ever compromising on the stringent quality standards our industry demands.

• Precision Quoting: Generate competitive costs against client enquiries, specifically pricing key commodities including bar, forgings, and fasteners.
• Cost Optimization: Drive the reduction of total acquisition costs across raw materials, labour, machining, and finished components.
• Supply Chain Intelligence: Monitor supplier capacity to optimize lead times and ensure our production schedule remains agile.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the bridge between the supply chain and internal operational departments to ensure seamless production flow.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all quoted components strictly adhere to defined technical specifications and quality standards.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate doesn't just look at a drawing; they see the machining process behind it. To succeed, you will need:

• The Technical "Know-How": A solid engineering or machine shop background is essential. You must be able to interpret machine drawings to determine accurate pricing.
• Market Acumen: An excellent understanding of commodity markets and the technical standards of metals.
• Negotiation Power: Proven ability to influence vendors and stakeholders to achieve better costs and reduced lead times.
• Systems Fluency: Experience working within an integrated ERP system (such as SAP or Oracle) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong organizational skills with a track record of implementing successful costing techniques.
• Demonstrable experience in commodity management and reducing overall acquisition costs.
• Direct experience working with or within machine shops.
• Proven ability to manage high-value spend in a fast-paced engineering environment.

What's On Offer?

We offer a collaborative environment where your technical expertise directly impacts the company's bottom line.

• A competitive salary that is negotiable based on skill and experience level.
• Discretionary bonus after 1 years' service
• 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) which increases with tenure.
• A company pension scheme to help you plan for the future.
• Medical cash plan benefits, covering essential healthcare costs such as dental treatment, check-ups, optical care, physiotherapy, and more.
• Long service awards, recognising your continued commitment.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with machined component costing.